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What Being In The Work Force Has Taught Me

I have been employed for about a month now and I have learned quite a bit. Not just specifically about the job that I’m doing, but about the world as well.

I’ve learned quite a few life lessons that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life. Today, I thought I’d share a few of my recent “learning” with you..!

1 // First Impressions AREN’T Everything! —

Before I got my first job, I thought first impressions were everything, now I know that’s not always the case. Through working with people day to day I’ve learned that you might have met someone on an “off” day. They may be stressed and come off kind of unfriendly when really they’re super sweet.

Other people have a guard up, and once you actually get to know them, they’re awesome! Although, I don’t recommend forcing someone to let their guard down. If it’s meant for you to get to know the person, you will. Give it time.

2 // Recognize Everyone —

When you pass your co-workers in the hallway or in the bathroom, say a simple, “Hello.” Not only will it make them feel like someone knows they exist, but it will show them you’re friendly and are approachable.

3 // You Deserve To Feel Appreciated —

I have been in two different positions; one where I was not appreciated (past) and one where I was/am (present.)

One thing I want to say is that you deserve to be respected. Just because you’re the “newbie” doesn’t mean that you’re dumb or dragging the flow of the team down. If you feel that way, please explain your feelings to your boss and let your feelings be heard. You are a valuable employee no matter how long you’ve been working there. If you don’t know your worth, no one else will.

4 // Hard Work Pays Off (In Due Time) —

This is something that was hard for impatient ol’ me. In my head I thought that if I did good on the first day that I’d be thought well of by everyone. What I’m getting at is that it might take a while for you to actually be appreciated and get recognized for your efforts at your place of employment. Keep working hard and giving each task your all. Sooner or later you will get acknowledged for it, and if you don’t, please let your feelings be heard in a professional, civil manner.

5 // Sleep Is ESSENTIAL! —

I’ve been a night owl for as long as I can remember and I’ve always been able to maintain my stay up late lifestyle due to being home-schooled. Needless to say, once I graduated and started having to get up some mornings at 6:45 a.m. I knew I had to readjust my bedtime. At first, I thought I’d adjust to less sleep, but that didn’t work out too well…

I was SO drowsy at work and I had hours and hours of training and I could not fully comprehend what I was being taught. After a day or two of that epic fail, I decided to start going to bed earlier.

Genius idea, right?! 😉

Anywho, the moral of this short story is that your body and mind needs sleep. Don’t ever sacrifice your sleep for something less important than your job/education. If a show if coming on that you want to see, but you need to get up early the next morning, record it and watch it later. There really is a way around most problems; we just have to look for them.

This post was so fun to write! I love doing posts where I just share what’s on my heart. Hope you guys enjoyed it! Have a lovely day, dears ❤

I agree.. sleep is important. When I switched from 1st shift to 3rd shift I had to totally change my schedule. It was weird at first but after I got used to it I actually liked it. One of the first things I had to learn was patience. Some jobs you just can’t pick up right away and it can be frustrating. Have a great weekend! 🙂

Great tips! Especially love the last part of #4 – if you are working hard and don’t feel appreciated, speak up in a civilized and professional way. This is particularly key for women to do because typically women are less likely to ask for raises and promotions don’t always assume working hard alone will get you where you want to be – and the saying is true- if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

but you are also right – for at least the first year of a new job I’d work my hardest and wait to ask for anything – that way you can show them a year of consistent good work, which makes it easier for managers to justify their actions.

Such great wisdom, Zahra! I totally agree that if you don’t ask, you’ll never know what could’ve been. Working and climbing the corporate ladder is never easy, but we always have to apply ourselves to the best of our abilities ❤